Tumefactive demyelinating lesions: A literature review of recent findings

Tumefactive demyelinating lesion is a variant of multiple sclerosis that is a diagnostic challenge. Tumefactive demyelinating lesion requires extensive work-up as its clinical and radiological features are often indistinguishable from other central nervous system lesions, such as tumors. Diagnosis is further complicated by the increasing recognition that tumefactive demyelinating lesions can occur alongside, evolve into, or develop from numerous conditions other than multiple sclerosis, pointing to a possible overlapping etiology. We review herein relevant studies from 2017 onwards to provide a current view on the pathogenesis, clinical and imaging findings, novel diagnostic techniques for differential diagnoses, and management of tumefactive demyelinating lesions.